The Delta Entrepreneurship Network
The Delta Entrepreneurship Network is a competitive fellowship program to identify entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations in the Delta region, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and grow those entrepreneurs into talented, innovative drivers of the Delta’s local and regional economies.
In partnership with The Idea Village in New Orleans, the Delta Entrepreneurship Network affords participants the opportunity to access industry experts, gain technical knowledge, expand their entrepreneurial network, and contribute to the enhancement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the DRA region. Participants will experience the development of a more connected, comprehensive network among entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial support service providers and educators.
Directly aligned with the DRA’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Policy Framework, the Network is helping to promote innovation, entrepreneurship education, and increased access to capital through a more connected, comprehensive regional network of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations. Learn about the 2015 inaugural DEN fellows here.
The Network has two tracks for participation. The first track—for entrepreneurs—will identify Entrepreneur Fellows through a series of pitch competitions across the Region known as The Delta Challenge. From these competitions, judges will select up to 20 Entrepreneur Fellows. The second track—for entrepreneurship support organizations—will identify individuals or non-profit organizations that provide support services and educational training to entrepreneurs. Up to 16 will be selected from a paper application process.
2016 Delta Pitch Competition Locations and Dates (Click the link to view the list of winners)
September 13 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | AR Regional Innovation Hub |
September 28 | Jackson, Tennessee | Lane College |
September 29 | Oxford, Mississippi | University of Mississippi |
October 11 | Livingston, Alabama | University of West Alabama |
November 1 | Ruston, Louisiana | Louisiana Tech University |
November 18 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Codefi |
Are You an Entrepreneur?
Are you an Entrepreneurship Support Organization?
Check back for more information on the Delta Entrepreneurship Network's 2017 cycle.
For any questions please contact us at deltachallenge@dra.gov